The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-18
JUSTICE HARLAN.
Career of the Supreme Judge in Whom Indi-
anians Arc just Now Interested.

Career of the Supreme Judge in Whom Indi-
anians Arc just Now Interested.
z. L. White. in American Magazine for August
Four of the associate justices have gone upon
the bench of the Supreme Court within the past
ten years. Tho Oldest of these in service is
John M. Harlan, of Kentucky, who ap-
pointed by President Hayes, in 1871 Justice
Harlan is good representative of the best type
of the Kentucky soldier, statesman and jurist
Born in Boyle county. lin thatlState, in 1883, he
came member of the highest court in the
land, and yet he had already distinguished him.
self not only successful lawyer. but
jurist an officer in the Union army and states
man.
Young Harlan's academic education OBJ
tanned at Center College. and in the law de-
parrment of the Transvlvania University at
Lexington. from both of which he was graduated
from the latter in 1858, whom he was only
twenty years old. He first practieed law in
of Franklin county in 1858. In 1859 he was the
Wing candidate for Congress in the Ashland
district, once represented by Henry Clay, but
sixtyseven votes. He removed to Louisville in
1861. and upon the breaking out of the
war organized the Tenth Regiment of
he became colonel Promoted to the rank of
brigadier-general for meritorious service, the
death of his father made it necessary for him to
resign his commission in 1863. and in doing so
he wrote: II beg the commanding general to
feel assured that it is from no want of confidence
either in the justice or ultimate triumph OF the
have the warmest sympathy OF my heart;
for there conditions upon
which L will consent TO dissolution
of the Union; nor there any conditions
sistent with the republican form of government
which am not prepared to make in order to
maintain and perpetuate that Union"
In tbs fall of 1868 General Harlan was elected
Attorney general OF kentucky on the Union
ticket Both in 1871 and 1875 he Republic
an candidate for Governor of Kentucky in each
case receiving a much larger vote than any pre-
vious Republican candidate. After tho inaugu-
ration of President Hayes the latter appointed
General Harlan a member of the commission to
adjust the political differences in Louisiana,
task which ne performed with such excellent
judgment that his subsequent elevation to the
Supreme Court bench was generally approved
as a proper recognition of his eminent ability
and pure public record.
In person, Justice Harlan is man Of COM
handing presence, with powerfully and admir-
ably built frame. large head and impressive
countenance. He is a close student and careful
Judge, jurist of constantly growing powers,
and an eloquent and forcible speaker.
Justice Harlan formerly kept house in Wash
ington, but for i've years after the death of his
daughter, Mrs. Linus Child, he and Mrs. Har-
Ian did not go into society During portion of
this time he resided in the country few miles
from Washington. but has lately bought some
land in the city, and is building himself
house. He has a who is Presbyterian
clergyman, recently called to parish in New
York cltv.